Grambling State University recently had their inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Award Luncheon to kick off African-American History Month, and it’s looking like another solid tradition will be added to the GSU books.

The university held the award luncheon as a way to honor individuals who strive to be like King through their work and service, but it was also a way to honor a man who gave everything for human rights.

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As 2010 draws to a close, people across the parish will likely pay a visit to the local fireworks stands to buy materials to illuminate the skies. Fireworks can be a beautiful form of entertainment; unfortunately they can also pose a serious fire hazard and safety threat.

If someone is out and about today wearing a red ribbon, they are doing so to support and spread awareness for the more than 33 million people living on the planet that suffer from acquired immune deficiency disorder, or AIDS.

Today is World AIDS Day, and with 56,300 Americans becoming infected with the disease every year — or one every nine and a half minutes — now, more than ever, AIDS awareness and prevention needs to be spread.

AIDS has only been around since 1981, but since then more than 25 million people have lost their lives to this menace according to aids.gov.

Halloween’s roots can be traced to the Celtic New Year of ancient Europe. Mostly ignored by early Protestant Americans, the holiday made its way into American culture and was celebrated as a secular occasion by the 20th century. Today, children and adults alike dress up to revel in the spirit of All Hallows’ Eve by taking a binge in sugary sweets and mostly harmless mischief.

Although good, clean fun is encouraged during this time of year, it is also wise to acknowledge safety concerns while little ghosts, goblins, witches and princesses make their rounds through neighborhoods seeking candy from residents.